The best carrot cake recipe for 2023 so quick and easy to prepare
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. It is a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious carrot cake:
Ingredients:
- 420gms all-purpose flour
- 480gms granulated sugar
- 6 eggs
- 1 12 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons bicarbonate soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 380ml vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 200gms crushed walnuts
- 375gms of grated carrots
- 1 tsp of vanilla essence
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 340°F (165°C). line the bottom of a 10-inch round cake tin and grease it with cooking spray or butter.
- In an electric mixer add the eggs and whilst mixing add the sugar and mix on med/high for 4 minutes.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, mix and sieve all your dry ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
- add the vanilla and pour in the vegetable oil slowly, mix for a further 3 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking tin and put it on a flat tray.
- Bake for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cool, make the topping.
For the topping
- 120grms butter
- 250gms Philidelphia cream cheese
- 250gms of icing sugar
- 20gms crushed walnuts
- 2 gms of normal chocolate
Whisk the butter until fluffy, fold in the cream cheese, and mix in the icing sugar until thick and creamy put in the fridge until needed.
spread the creamed icing over the top, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, and grate the chocolate sparingly over the top.
Your delicious carrot cake is now ready to be enjoyed!
Questions and answers
Why is butter not used in carrot cake?
Butter is often not used in making carrot cake because the recipe already includes a significant amount of moisture from the grated carrots, making it unnecessary to add additional fat. In fact, using too much butter can result in a dense and heavy cake that lacks the desired light and fluffy texture.
Instead of butter, many carrot cake recipes call for oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, which helps to keep the cake moist and tender. Oil also has a neutral flavor, which allows the sweetness and spices of the cake to shine through. Additionally, oil is a liquid at room temperature, making it easier to incorporate into the batter and resulting in a smoother texture.
Furthermore, some recipes use cream cheese frosting on top of carrot cake, which provides a rich and creamy contrast to the spicy cake. Using butter in the frosting would result in a heavier and denser frosting that could overpower the delicate flavors of the cake.
It’s worth noting that there are variations of carrot cake recipes that use butter or a combination of butter and oil, but these recipes are not as common. Ultimately, the choice of using butter or oil in a carrot cake recipe comes down to personal preference and the desired texture and flavor of the cake.
Why do the carrots turn green in my carrot cake?
Carrots turning green in carrot cake can be an unusual and unappetizing sight, but it’s not necessarily a sign that the cake is spoiled or unsafe to eat. The green coloration occurs due to a chemical reaction between the carrots and baking soda, which is commonly used as a leavening agent in baked goods.
When baking soda comes into contact with an acidic ingredient like grated carrots, it reacts to form carbon dioxide gas, which helps to lift and lighten the cake. However, when baking soda is used in excess or the batter is left to sit for too long, it can result in a green discoloration due to the formation of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color of plants.
The amount of baking soda used in the recipe and the acidity of the grated carrots can also affect the likelihood of green discoloration. To prevent this from happening, you can try reducing the amount of baking soda used or adding a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to the batter to balance the acidity.
However, if your carrot cake has turned green, it’s still safe to eat and should not affect the taste or texture of the cake. Some people even consider the green coloration to be a unique and interesting twist on the traditional carrot cake. But if the discoloration is a concern, you can always cover it up with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting or another frosting of your choice.
Best cake mixer
Why is my carrot cake undercooked in the middle?
Carrot cake can be a delightful treat, but if it’s undercooked in the middle, it can be a bit of a letdown. There are several reasons why a carrot cake might be undercooked in the middle, including issues with the recipe, oven temperature, and baking time.
One of the most common reasons for undercooked carrot cake is an inaccurate oven temperature. If your oven is not heating properly or has hot spots, it can lead to uneven baking and result in a cake that is undercooked in the middle. To ensure even baking, it’s important to preheat the oven properly and use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.
Another factor that can cause undercooked carrot cake is a recipe that has not been properly tested or adjusted for the size or type of baking pan used. If you’re using a smaller or differently shaped pan than what the recipe calls for, it can result in a thicker layer of batter, which may require additional baking time to fully cook through.
Additionally, the texture of the batter itself can also impact the baking time and result in an undercooked cake. If the batter is too thick or dense, it can take longer to bake and may result in a cake that is undercooked in the middle. To avoid this issue, it’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully and ensure that all ingredients are properly mixed and incorporated.
To prevent undercooked carrot cake, it’s important to pay close attention to the oven temperature, baking time, and recipe instructions. By making sure that all of these factors are properly managed, you can create a delicious and perfectly baked carrot cake every time.
Useful cake-making set:
How do I know when my carrot cake is done?
Knowing when your carrot cake is done can be a bit tricky, but there are a few signs that you can look for to ensure that your cake is fully baked and ready to enjoy. Here are some tips to help you know when your carrot cake is done:
- Visual cues: One of the most obvious signs that your carrot cake is done is when the top is golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also check for a slightly rounded and firm surface.
- Smell: The aroma of a fully baked carrot cake is hard to miss, and a delicious scent wafting from your oven is a good indication that your cake is ready.
- Bouncing back: A fully baked carrot cake will spring back when lightly pressed in the center. If it feels too soft or mushy, it may need additional baking time.
- Internal temperature: Using a food thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the cake to ensure it’s cooked through. A temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) is a good indication that your cake is fully baked.
- Time: The recipe’s recommended baking time is a good starting point, but it may not be accurate for your specific oven or pan. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as necessary.
Overall, a combination of these cues is the best way to ensure that your carrot cake is done. By using your senses and checking for visual and physical cues, you can create a delicious and perfectly baked carrot cake every time.
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